Timothy Keller on Prayer

We can define prayer as a personal, communicative response to the knowledge of God. It means that prayer is profoundly altered by the amount and accuracy of that knowledge.

All prayer is responding to God. In all cases God is the initiator— “hearing” always precedes asking. God comes to us first or we would never reach out to him.

The Bible speaks of our relationship with God as knowing and being known (Gal 4:9; 1 Cor 13:12).

But now that you know God—or rather are known by God… (‭Galatians‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ NIV) For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭12‬ NIV)

Prayer is continuing a conversation that God has started through his Word and his grace, which eventually becomes a full encounter with him.

The power of our prayers, then, lies not primarily in our effort and striving, or in any technique, but rather in our knowledge of God.

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭1‬:‭1-2‬ NIV)

2 comments on “Timothy Keller on Prayer”

After listening to all the testimonies last night, my breakthrough was of a different kind.
Two Sundays ago when you first talked about fasting I immediately thought, I can’t do that, but when you talked about walking around the walls of Jericho, I suddenly thought I can do that 7 times. (God talks to us like that doesn’t he).
So I started walking around a 9/10th of a mile block, everyday, and praying for friends and family. It’s been 9 days now, Petey, my dog, and I have walked over 8 miles.
And the hated walls of doing exercise are down. I USED TO WALK 10 OR 20 MINUTES A WEEK! This represents 180 minutes. Thank you God.
Pat